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Miami Travel Resources

Miami Travel Resources

Miami Florida, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Navigation:

    Google Maps, Waze for real-time traffic.

  • Ride-sharing:

    Uber, Lyft for handy transport.

  • Public Transport:

    Miami-Dade Transit Tracker for bus and rail.

  • Parking:

    PayByPhone for meters.

  • Reviews:

    Yelp, TripAdvisor for activities and dining.

Useful Websites

  • Official Tourism:

    MiamiandBeaches.com, MiamiCVB.com.

  • Public Transport:

    MiamiDade.gov/transit for transit info.

  • National Parks:

    NPS.gov/ever/, NPS.gov/bisc/ for park details.

  • Local News:

    MiamiHerald.com, WSVN.com for current events.

  • Dietary Needs:

    HappyCow for vegetarian and vegan options.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Lonely Planet Miami & the Florida Keys, Fodor's Florida, Rough Guide to Florida.

Find packing organizers at Eagle Creek

Books About Miami

"Miami: The Magic City" by Marjory Stoneman Douglas; "A Past of Miami" by Paul S. George.

Local Publications

Miami New Times (weekly alternative paper), Ocean Drive Magazine (lifestyle).

Further Reading & Exploration

Media & Culture

  • Watch "Miami Vice" (TV/film) for 1980s portrayal.
  • See "The Birdcage" or "Moonlight" (set in Miami).
  • Explore Latin music (salsa, reggaeton), hip-hop, EDM.
  • Experience Deco, Wynwood street art, PAMM.

Online & Language

  • Check r/Miami and r/go on Reddit for local insights.
  • Explore TripAdvisor forums for Miami questions.
  • Babbel helps learn Spanish phrases.
  • Local Spanish language schools for immersive learning.

Social Media Accounts

Official Tourism

  • @MiamiandBeaches (Instagram/Facebook)
  • @MiamiCVB (Twitter)
  • @VisitFlorida (Instagram/Facebook)
  • #FoundInMiami

Local News

  • @_TheMiamiHerald (Twitter)
  • @wsvn (Instagram)
  • @nbc6 (Twitter)
  • #MiamiNews

Specific Interests

  • Follow local food bloggers for dining tips.
  • Follow art accounts for gallery openings.
  • Follow nightlife accounts for events.
  • #MiamiFood #MiamiArt

Emergency & Medical Information

Stay Safe and Prepared

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 911
  • Non-Emergency Police: (786) 473-5100 (Miami-Dade)
  • Your Country's Embassy/Consulate: Check online
  • Hotel Front Desk for help from locals

Hospitals & Clinics

  • Jackson Memorial Hospital (Major)
  • Mount Sinai Clinic (Major)
  • Baptist Hospital of Miami (Major)
  • MD Now Urgent Care (Urgent Care)

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Report to local police immediately.
  • Passport: Contact your country's embassy/consulate.
  • Credit Cards: Call your bank to report loss/theft.
  • Keep copies of important documents separately.

General Safety

Personal Security

  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep valuable items out of view.
  • Travel with companions at night whenever feasible.

Driving Safely

  • Observe speed limits and traffic laws.
  • Avoid distracted driving.
  • Park in well-lit, secure areas.

Health & Wellness

Sun Protection

  • Apply high SPF sunscreen regularly.
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses.
  • Seek shade during peak sun hours.

Hydration & Heat

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
  • Stay in air-conditioned spaces.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Hurricane Season June-November

  1. Monitor local weather reports consistently.
  2. Follow instructions from local authorities.
  3. Know your evacuation routes and plan.
  4. Hotels and local media provide storm guidance.
  5. Have an emergency kit ready.

General Readiness

  1. Sign up for local emergency alerts.
  2. Identify safe meeting points if separated from your party.
  3. Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone.
  4. Charge all electronic devices when possible.
  5. Stay informed through official channels.

Travel Insurance

Medical Coverage

Your policy may cover unexpected medical emergencies.

Lost Luggage

Insurance can protect against losing your bags or delay.

Trip Cancellation

Coverage for unforeseen trip cancellations or interruptions. Consider World Nomads.

Safety First

Prioritize your safety by staying informed and having emergency contacts handy.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Careful planning avoids last-minute stress, ensuring a smooth Miami journey.

Essential Preparations

Months Before Departure

  • Passport Validity:

    Confirm must be valid for six months or more beyond your stay.

  • Flights & Accommodation:

    Book international flights and accommodations early.

  • Travel Insurance:

    Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, consider World Nomads.

Month Before Departure

  • Car Rental & Tours:

    Arrange car rental and book essential tours.

  • Phone & Health:

    Check phone plan, get recommended vaccinations.

  • Documents:

    Make copies of important documents; store separately.

Pre-Trip Research & Home Prep

Research Destination

Read travel advisories, familiarize yourself with districts and transport.

Home Security

Inform a trusted person of your itinerary, hold mail, secure your home.

Last-Minute Prep

Confirm bookings, pack appropriately, notify banks, charge electronics.

Find packing organizers

Arrival Checklist

First Steps in Miami

  • Clear immigration and customs.
  • Collect your luggage.
  • Locate ground transport to accommodation.
  • Activate local SIM or confirm roaming.

Orientation & Initial Needs

  • Get a local map, physical or digital.
  • Become acquainted with your accommodation's surroundings.
  • Withdraw cash from an airport ATM.
  • Buy bottled water upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Logistics

  • Factor in luggage weight limits for souvenirs.
  • Arrange shipping for items if needed.
  • Keep receipts for customs purposes.
  • The U.S. Does not have a national VAT refund program.

Return Trip Readiness

  • Confirm flight status ALL day and night before departure.
  • Pack strategically; liquids comply with carry-on rules.
  • Keep passport and boarding pass accessible.
  • Collect all personal belongings from accommodation.

Timing Your Departure

Arrive at MIA at least 3 hours before international flights, 2 hours for domestic.

Allow extra time for vehicle movement, especially during rush hour.

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